Fat Snowmen Last Longer

Hello, dear friends! Just a moment to thank you for visiting and leaving encouragement. We're coming to terms with my "new" limitations. Your kindnesses help me more than you know... so THANK YOU!

Here is another fat snowman, reminding why sometimes being fat might be beneficial - LOL - we all know THAT'S not true, but it's a good story!

This happy little guy was stamped and snail mailed by a friend for me to color and assemble. Cute stenciling for the background.

He is colored with Copic Markers and Distress Inks. A stenciled background was done with Iced Spruce ink. The dies (listed below) and papers are all from my ancient stash (giggle).

To create the sparkling snow, I applied VersaMark ink and clear EP. After that was melted, a VersaMarker was applied atop the melted clear EP. I dumped a ton of clear glitter on it, and re-melted the EP from the underside of the image. After putting a little more glitter on top of the melted EP+Glitter combo, I reheated it from the under side again. It's really sparkly and the embossing powder holds the extra glitter so it won't rub off!

Products: Cute Snowman from a friend, Clear Glitter, Clear Embossing Powder, Copic Markers, Distress Inks, VersaMark Ink, VersaMarker, Stencil for background, K&Co designer paper, Marianne Creatables Anja's Large Ovals die, Spellbinders Labels 23 Grand die, MS Starlight Punch

I'd like to play in the following challenge please (and thank you to the DTs who make the challenges possible):

1. 52 Christmas Card Throwdown Technique Challenge 8-24 EMBOSSING (To create the sparkling snow, I applied VersaMark ink and clear EP. After that was melted, a VersaMarker was applied atop the melted clear EP. I dumped a ton of clear glitter on it, and re-melted the EP from the underside of the image. After putting a little more glitter on top of the melted EP+Glitter combo, I reheated it from the under side again. It's really sparkly and the embossing powder holds the extra glitter so it won't rub off!) 09-07

Stamping hugs,

A Little Christmas -

 Hello, my friends! I can't believe I've actually finished a card (5 months in the making) and that I'm posting it as well. 

Many thanks for all your cards of encouragement. Once Jack and I learned that I am at my Maximum Medical Improvement (meaning a continued "down hill" trend), and that symptoms will continue worsening, it became easier to accept. We have left "no stone unturned". With each layer of loss, I need to accept the new level. This is a neuro-immune disease that begins in the brain, filtering into all the body's functions and organs, thus causing one event after another. About 1/2 of a percent of the world's population contends with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Some have it mildly, others have it severely. I've dealt with this since early childhood, and have gratefully lived longer than anticipated. 

YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT in the form of Love, Support and Acceptance is the best of all gifts! Life is much easier to enjoy when friends are by your side, so that the sick person doesn't have to constantly fake that they are "better" or that they will get better. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART for your precious gift. 

Today I'm presenting a sweet snowman image stamped and snail-mailed to me by friend Brenda Smalle. (Thanks, Brenda!) Brenda and I used to work together at Sparkle N Sprinkle, and I learned so much from her!

Interior:

After coloring with Copics, I stenciled the background clouds with MFT stencil and masking a few "ski slopes" surrounding Mr. Snowman. The dark green layer was die cut then embossed with a dotted EF, and inked with Pink Pearlescent inks and Black Soot DI. It was fun playing with a wee bit of glitter, too - all done in non-traditional Christmas colors because pink is THIS snowman's color of preference.

Products: Cute Snowman Image from friend, sentiment from Heartfelt Creations, Copic Markers, Craftwell Delicate Dots EF, Marianne Creatables, Tonic & Spellbinders die cuts, INKS: Orchid Pearlescent, Spun Sugar DI, Salvaged Patina DI., Worn Lipstick DI, MFT stencils, silver and clear glitters, MS border punch.

Playing in the following challenges:

1. Classic Design Challenge #11 (11/15 - 12/15) AG 12/15
2. Pammie's Inky Pinkies #2345 AG 11/21

Thanksgiving Hugs to you!

Flower Cart - Jan's Digi Stamps

 Hello! I'm so glad to see you!

Reminder Time for the Anything Goes Challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps!  If you use a JDS image in your card, please mention it. There is a 2nd draw specifically for those who use one of Jan's fun images.

Jan's Digi's now has a freebie section. Freebies will be left up for a short time, and new ones will be added periodically. Jan's newest sets are 25% off and this month's Father's Day sale, includes 10 sets.

I admit it! These were in my "to be finished" box, and it was fun to finish them up and send them to people who will love them. Each card uses: Flower Cart 798, Showers of Tulips 923, clear glitter and Copic Markers:

Flower Cart 798 10 images

Showers of Tulips 923

Like lots of bloggers, I am trying to use as many of my favorite (or unused) older products as possible in my creations. There is something happy and satisfying in doing that (at least for me!) 

Cherry & Ivory Colored Card:  Dies- Spellbinders Cascading Grace 5x7, Marianne Design Creatables Anja's Large Ovals LR0236, EK Success corner punch, SU Scallop Punch, Distress Inks (Scattered Straw, Worn Lipstick, Spun Sugar), Ivory Neenah Cardstock, DLArt Ivory Ribbon, My Favorite Things cloud stencil, green and blue colored pencils, Freebie interior sentiments here.

Green & Ivory Card:  Dies: Grand Labels Four Nestabilities, SB 5x7 Elegant Labels Four, SB Fancy Tags One S4-235, Ivory Neenah Cardstock, Peeled Paint Distress Ink

I find using pale gray and/or pale ivory as a card base is difficult to photograph without appearing rather dingy and dark. But like other supplies in my stash, crying out to be used, so is my Neenah Ivory for Copics asking to be used!

But I DID allow myself to color one with traditional white Express-It:

Pink & Green Card: Dies: LifeStyle Nesting Lace Ovals, Embossalicious Rose Vine embossing folder by Die'sire, EK Success Oval Punch, Distress Inks (Bundled Sage, Kitsch Flamingo, Spun Sugar) DLArt Pink Ribbon,

The interior is a freebie gift from me. You can download it here (scroll to the bottom of the post)

Don't forget to head on over and share your pretty projects with us at Jan's Digi Stamps!

Challenges I would like to play in please:

1. Crafting Happiness Challenges # 142 Flowers 6/1
2. Classic Design Challenge #5 AG 6/1
3. A Perfect Time to Craft #5 AG (check 7/1)

Stamping Hugs,